St. Louis Rams – Blog

– Alabama RB Eddie Lacy is widely regarded as the top back in this year’s draft. It doesn’t seem likely that is going to change in the lead up to the draft. The only question is how high he will go in the selection process.

– With that said, there are some questions about Lacy, including how much his performance was a product of running behind a dominant offensive line.

– Here’s how Lacy responded to that question and more:

(3 OL here. How do you prove to scouts that your production isn’t all about them?)

“It all depends on how you look at it. I mean, I feel as though we complement each other because you have a great offensive line and you have a great backfield as well so I don’t feel as if one position is doing good because of the other. It’s just that we complement each other.”

(less mileage on your tires)

“That’s always an advantage because you didn’t get banged up as a lot of guys who did take all those carries early.”

(best attribute as a runner)

“Just being able to be a powerful runner if I need to or an agile runner and make people miss. With my size, being able to be agile and make people miss, that’s really key.”

(what do you expect to run in the 40?)

“4.4, 4.5, around there.”

(benefits to workhorse RB in today’s NFL?)

“I know they pass the ball a lot but at the same time, having a guy who can run the ball a lot benefits your offense. In short yardage plays, you can’t really throw the ball when it’d be easier to run it. If you have that running back, it’s not a problem.”

(How did Saban help you prepare?)

“Just his whole coaching philosophy. I mean, coming in as a freshman, you think it’s hard. All he’s doing is preparing you for days like today and whatever your future may hold.”

(Playing in big games…)

“Well, I mean, I was able to show up in the big games on the big stages and in the NFL, every game is a big game no matter what. So if I was able to perform well in those games, you know it should be an indication that I can do the same thing in the NFL.”

(pre-snap, what are looking for)

“Pre-snap read, if it’s a run play, depending on the play you have to locate the defensive linemen first. And then from the defensive linemen, you just go to the second level.”

(MLB…would you rather give a juke or run him over)

“Whichever one is convenient at the time. If it’s short yardage, I’ll just run into him. If not, and I have a little space to move, then I’ll most likely do that.”

(Ingram, Richardson help you in process)

“Um, a little bit. They didn’t tell me how long it was or anything. They’re just like ‘it’s a good experience to help raise your draft stock and talk to a lot of coaches and a lot of people on the offensive staff.’”

(was it difficult to go pro early?)

“It wasn’t too hard. I was there for four years. After a while, you can’t take as many licks because as a running back you don’t have that many years. At a school like Alabama, you get talent year in and year out so even when one leaves, the next person right behind him is going to be just as good if not better.”

(Many consider you the best RB. How do you feel about that?)

“It’s a good feeling but I’m just happy to be here.”

(Practices tougher in pros…Alabama help?)

“Tuesdays and Wednesdays, after a while you start to not look forward to those days. But it just gets you ready for the game during the week. I feel like we practice way harder than the game situations so like I said, it’s hard but we do it and we’re very prepared when game-day comes.”

– Should Rams RB Steven Jackson depart in free agency, Lacy would seem like a logical fit as the heir apparent. Heck, even if Jackson stays Lacy would be a logical heir. But if Jackson leaves, the need is obviously greater for help at running back. There’s almost no chance Lacy would be there in the second round for the Rams so they’d have to spend one of their first round picks to get him. That’s not out of the question but it would depend on Jackson’s status as much as anything.